I'm sure a lot of Instructors have background experience in business (hopefully, in Allied Health in our school) and can enlighten students with many real life stories. But, when someone from the outside working world presents, the students all of a sudden "get it." It's amazing what a new face and their narration can add to the knowledge base--and they (the students) didn't even have to study it in a textbook--additional example of application of varied teaching styles.
I think that guest speakers help to encourage students to have a better attitude and gain a better understanding of what career path they might choose. Having someone speak to the students who has experience in the field gives them motivation and a better understanding of what is expected of them.
Hi Carol,
I am sure your students got a lot out of this presentation. Guest speakers can shed light in a lot of different areas.
Patricia
Hi Doug,
I concur! Guest speakers add validity to what has been said in the classroom as it pertains to the real world. Students trust and believe guest speakers.
Patricia
Hi Faith,
A guest speaker can certainly add spark to the fire. Guest speakers are fabulous and students admire them greatly.
Patricia
Hi James,
Students get real excited when they know that a guest speaker will be coming. Attendance will be at its best, and students will have great interest in the presentation.
Patricia
I am about to have my fisrt guest speaker in about two weeks. I am also new to teaching, although I have been in education for over a decade. I did notice a level of anticipation as I described the speaker and topic for that upcoming class.
The guest speaker may bring to light information that you may have not dealt with in detail - or their presentation and personal participation may be the key to a student moving forward toward their goals.
The proper guest speaker can make all the difference in how some students view the class. Once they see the information obtained in the class is really use in the real world, everyone becomes more involved and eager to learn.
I agree--our last guest speaker was the Manager of a Medical Billing Service. She gave the students an entire run through of the hiring process and then gave quite a few details on what the billing services provide for their clients. So, it was very valuable info for the students from both perspectives.
Guest speakers are if great value, especially if they have become successful. It gives current students the opportunity to see where they can be if they stay focused, dedicated, abd work hard.
They bring the vast knowledge from the real world into the classroom, it also can valid my lesson plan and topics. This will show to them that in the end it will be worth the time and efforts.
Hi Patricia,
Guest speakers can certainly reiterate the fact that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Patricia
I think the value comes from the fact that the students are hearing it from someone who has been in their shoes recently, and has successfully made it through.
Although, in our PTA program we tell our students the same thing, that we were once in their shoes, I think this sometimes falls on deaf ears. I believe this is because they think to themselves "you’re just saying that" or "o.k. you may have been through something similar, but you did not go through THIS Program!"
When a graduate speaks to these discouraged students I believe he or she can almost develop an instant rapport and credibility with them, because the speaker has been through exactly the same courses, and can sympathize with the students’ current workload and challenges. Even greater, the graduate guest speaker may be able to share with them techniques he or she may have used to make it through the course when they were in school.
The speaker may even be able to share some of the rewards he or she is currently experiencing as a result of persevering and not giving up, although they too may have wanted to.
To see someone on the other side, who is now reaping the rewards of their labor, may motivate these discouraged students to press on another day; and this just maybe the one day needed to
turn a potential drop out into a graduate.
Hi Carol,
I agree! Students welcome guest speakers with open arms. Guest speakers generate a sense of great excitement and interest from students.
Patricia
Guest speakers enhance the learning experience for students because it gives them direct information about their chosen career path and what will be expected of them in the workplace and the type of work they will be expected to be prepared to do. The guest speaker can be directed to address certain areas pertinent to the course of study. That person can also reinforce the need for continuing education in the students' chosen field to keep their knowledge up to date. I have never heard a class or student body complain about the information presented by guest speakers--they love it!
If a student is disillusioned with the coursework, involving a guest speaker, (especially one who is in the field and successful), could influence the student to "keep their eyes on the prize". Letting the student know that school won't last forever and reinforce the reason they are in school is to get out in the field and succeed.
Hi Eddie,
I agree! Guest speakers are extremely valuable resources.
Patricia
I personally use guest speakers in my class as often as possible. The students can ask the speaker the same questions and get the same answers from the speaker that they get from me, but for some reason....they tend to take it more seriously. The only challlenge that I have when teaching an excellerated 5 week course is that my guest speakers tend to burn out quickly. Returning every five weeks can be inconvenient.
Hi William,
You are the perfect role model for your students. You should be a true inspiration to help them succeed.
Patricia
